The day with dianne Louise

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2 NLT What joy awaited Jesus? Would you believe it was and is the joy of having us with Him. He knew we were dogged by sin and it was not possible to be good enough by ourselves. So, He made a way. He became our way, our pass and rights contract. As I place my faith in Him I am welcomed in. The garment given me is white. I may, in myself be grey, however when I put on the garment given me, I am white as snow. Forgiven and welcomed. Amen!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1‭-‬2 NLT I love this scripture as I know those who have gone before me inspire me. To know they are watching my race is most gratifying. I belong to them, even if still on earth and look forward to the day when we will meet face to face. What a party! These saints encourage me to throw off every weight and run unencumbered. I cannot carry the enemy's rubbish for him. All doubts, fears, resentments, criticisms are his. I will only take what my God has given me and that is life, life abundantly. Amen...

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 2 Corinthians 4:16 NLT Life and circumstances may make us feel like giving up but we can't, not while we have hope, hope of a God-ordained future. As I grow older I know many things will come against us in life. When I was in my 20's the sky was the limit, nothing could stop me. As time went by I realised I was not superwoman and things did happen. Now in my 60s I know no matter what my God is on my side. Amen!

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. 2 Cor:16 NLT What is why we never give up? Verse 14 tells us: the One who raise the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and present us with you. The power of endurance comes from the hope that the Christian carries. Life down here might be tough but joy is coming, eternal, everlasting joy. The hope of having us be with Him helped Jesus endure the cross. He knew that He tasted death for all mankind, past, present, and future. May the hope we have empower us to endure as we press on towards our eternal goal. May our endurance encourage others and lift others up. Amen!

As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Romans 10:11 NLT My own efforts may be fraught with holes but my faith in the work done my Jesus is solid gold. Jesus was a perfect man who followed the path before Him even to the huge cost of His life. He had the ability to save Himself from the cross but refused. This is His example. Amen!

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:10 NLT In this chapter Paul goes to great lengths to expalin salvation. In the previous verse he says: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. My salvation has nothing to do with how good I am, but rather my faith in how good He is. He is my way, my truth amd my life. I can cling to Him, confess to Him my shortcomings and speak of His goodness, as again and again I find His forgiveness. I am so pleased my salvation hinges on my faith, and not my works.  I then do not have to create righteousness in my self, but rather gratefully receive His. Amen!

“You must not testify falsely against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16 NLT When under stress are you prone to exaggerate or embelish? Unfortunately I find myself here at times and afterwards am horrified at what comes out of my mouth. How can I change? Like Paul I can rejoice that I have a saviour. When I want to change I ask the Holy Spirit to stop me or jolt my memory before I blunder on. He is faithful and if I follow His prompt I can be faithful in my testimony. We are not, in ourselves, capable of holiness. We are just not good. Scripture tells us no one is good except God alone. However, faith towards God and seeking Him for change always works. Amen!